Now the Broward State Attorney's Office is investigating Lynn, who headed the housing authority for 31/2 years before he resigned in February to work in Russia.

Today, Lynn's payroll history and other records will be turned over to investigators, who are looking into possible fraud.

"We should have never given checks in advance," said Thomas Sette, a board member of the Dania Housing Authority, which receives federal financing and provides affordable housing to the poor.

The inquiry focuses on checks that Lynn issued to himself and whether Lynn was overpaid. The Dania Housing Authority is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners, appointed by Dania's mayor and approved by the City Commission. The organization, which has been plagued over the years by lawsuits and disputes among board members, operates a 40-unit apartment complex and provides rent subsidies.

Board member Ronald Zielinski went to the State Attorney's Office after he reviewed the agency's operations.

Zielinski had found that Lynn was issued paychecks between pay periods in 1994, and Lynn may have been advancing his pay as much as two weeks ahead, according to meeting minutes of the board.

"When irregularities show up, it's a flag," Zielinski said on Thursday during a special board meeting to discuss the matter.

Lynn could not be reached for comment. But some housing officials defended Lynn on Thursday.

Board chairwoman Gloria Daly said Lynn came to her, complaining of personal money problems. Court records show that Lynn declared bankruptcy in 1992.

Lynn asked Daly two or three times whether he could issue a check to himself before a pay period, Daly said. She said she allowed it.

"I saw nothing wrong with it, and I still see nothing wrong with it," said Daly, who will give a statement today to investigators.

Daly said she found no misuse of money by Lynn after she examined payroll records as part of the housing authority's own investigation.